As the first drops of rain hit the dry earth of Maharashtra, something extraordinary begins to unfold. Dusty hills transform into lush, emerald carpets. Hidden streams reawaken with vigour. The air thickens with petrichor, and the Western Ghats come alive. Monsoons in Maharashtra are more than just a season—they are a phenomenon. This curated list of the best monsoon treks in Maharashtra promises unforgettable experiences not just for adventure lovers but for every kind of traveller.
Region: Raigad district
Difficulty: Moderate
Trek Duration: 2–3 hours one way
Also known as Vikatgad, Peb Fort is a mist-draped gem near Matheran that feels like it belongs in a Studio Ghibli film. The trail begins from Neral and meanders through a thick forest with mossy rocks, whispering bamboo groves, and panoramic views of the valley below. The fort itself is modest, but the journey is what makes this trek worthwhile. With a few tricky rock patches and narrow paths, it’s moderately challenging and best done with proper shoes and trekking gear.
Region: Pune district
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trek Duration: 4–5 hours from Lonavala, 1.5–2 hours from Kondhane
A timeless classic, Rajmachi is perfect for those who love to blend history with hiking. The trail from Lonavala is a gentle incline that cuts through forests and open meadows, with waterfalls cascading off cliffs all around. It’s ideal for a monsoon night trek as the path is wide, and the fort makes for a safe camping spot. The twin forts, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, offer expansive views and intriguing ruins. You’ll find locals selling lemon juice and bhutta (roasted corn) along the way, giving it a community feel. The alternative route via Kondhane caves is steeper but shorter, passing ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves that glow ethereally in the rains.
Region: Ahmednagar district
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Trek Duration: 4–8 hours
Harishchandragad is the kind of trek that changes you. Perched at over 4,600 ft, it offers a range of routes—Pachnai (easiest), Khireshwar (most scenic), and Nalichi Vaat (most challenging). Monsoon transforms these trails into slippery, adventurous pathways dotted with waterfalls and misty views.
The real drama unfolds at Konkan Kada, a semi-circular cliff with an overhanging edge and an epic drop. It’s the best place in Maharashtra to see cloud inversions and, on lucky days, even a Brocken spectre. Add to that an ancient Shiva temple, caves, and a sprawling plateau, and you’ve got the perfect trek.
Region: Pune district
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
The first fort conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Torna is both a historian’s dream and a trekker’s delight. Known as Prachandagad (meaning massive fort), it’s a relatively steep climb, especially during the monsoon when the trail becomes slippery and gushing with rivulets. The expansive views from the top are breathtaking. Lush green valleys, monsoon-fed waterfalls, and cloud-wrapped peaks surround you in all directions. The fort is large, and exploring its many bastions and water tanks could take hours. It also connects to Rajgad via a long ridge trail, which is a popular two-day monsoon trek for the more adventurous
Region: Pune district
Difficulty: Moderate
Trek Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Duke’s Nose, or Nagphani, is one of the most visually striking cliff points in Maharashtra. Its shape resembles the hood of a cobra or a prominent nose, and it offers spectacular views of the valleys around Khandala. The monsoon amplifies its beauty tenfold. Mist hugs the trail, and waterfalls gush from nearby cliffs. The trail is relatively short but steep, making it ideal for a half-day adventure. It’s also a major hub for rock climbing and rappelling during the wetter months, attracting adrenaline junkies from Mumbai and Pune. Don't miss the trains winding through the valley below as the fog clears; it's straight out of a postcard.
Region: Raigad district
Difficulty: Easy
Trek Duration: 1–1.5 hours
If you're craving the full sensory overload of monsoon without a taxing trek, Bhivpuri delivers. Just 90 minutes from Mumbai by train, this spot is a favourite among locals for its accessibility and sheer beauty. The hike is short and cuts through paddy fields, small streams, and village trails. Once you reach the falls, you’ll be greeted by a curtain of white water crashing over black basalt rock, surrounded by greenery. It’s also one of the few waterfall sites where adventure operators offer waterfall rappelling during the season.
Region: Nashik district
Difficulty: Challenging
Trek Duration: 3–4 hours
Harihar Fort is a thrilling adventure tucked in the Trimbak range, Nashik. Its vertical staircase, carved into rock at an intimidating incline, looks like it leads to the clouds. While the steps can seem daunting, the views and the bragging rights are totally worth it. The monsoon adds a layer of challenge and beauty. As you ascend, the wind howls, the rocks glisten, and you feel like a character in an epic tale. At the top, remnants of a fort and a small shrine offer quietude, while the surrounding landscape, patchworked with paddy fields and undulating hills, is breathtaking.
Region: Raigad district (near Panvel)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trek duration: 1.5–2.5 hours one way
Rising 1,500 feet above sea level within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, this fort is a favourite among Mumbai and Navi Mumbai residents. The beauty of the Karnala Fort trek lies not just in its final summit but in the journey through an active and thriving forest ecosystem. During monsoon season, the sanctuary erupts into a visual symphony, with mist curling through the trees, leaves slick with rain, and trails punctuated with colourful mushrooms and darting butterflies. The trail is clearly marked and maintained, making it friendly for beginners. It begins with a gentle incline that gradually becomes steeper and more rugged as you approach the peak. Along the way, trekkers are serenaded by birdsong as Karnala is home to over 200 species of birds, including the elusive Malabar whistling thrush and the striking Asian paradise flycatcher. Once at the top, you’re greeted by the iconic thumb-shaped pinnacle, also known as the Pandu’s Tower, a volcanic plug that has stood defiant for centuries. The views from here of lush valleys wrapped in monsoon clouds are breathtaking. On a clear day, one can spot Mumbai’s suburbs to the west and the Matheran hill range to the east.
Region: Raigad district
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trek Duration: Approx. 6 km one way
In the dense forests of Bhira, near Tamhini Ghat, Devkund is one of Maharashtra’s most alluring hidden waterfalls. The trek to Devkund begins through forest trails laced with ferns, bamboo clusters, and the occasional slippery stream crossing. As you walk alongside the Bhira dam backwaters, the sound of gurgling brooks keeps pace.The highlight, of course, is the waterfall itself—a dramatic plunge of water into a pristine blue pool, set against a natural rock amphitheatre. Though popular, it retains a sense of untouched wilderness if visited early in the day. The waterfall area has seen over-tourism in recent years, so opt for a weekday hike. Ideal for beginners, this trail offers a great introduction to monsoon trekking without overwhelming your senses, or your knees.
Region: Lonavala (near Aamby Valley)
Difficulty: Easy
Trek duration: 1–1.5 hours one way
Tucked away near the glitzy Aamby Valley township, Korigad Fort offers a surprisingly quiet and peaceful escape into the hills. Unlike Karnala’s rugged forest climb, the Korigad trek is short, open, and gentle making it ideal for beginners, families, and those looking for a less intense experience. The trail begins at Peth Shahpur village, winding past moss-covered rocks and through a jungle path that feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale. During monsoon season, the path is framed by wildflowers and is alive with the buzz of cicadas. At the summit, a wide plateau unfolds complete with two small lakes, a temple dedicated to Goddess Korai Devi, and intact fort walls that offer panoramic walks along the edge. These ramparts are Korigad’s pièce de résistance. Walking the entire perimeter (which takes about 30–40 minutes) offers 360-degree views of the lush valleys below and the distant Mulshi backwaters. Though the fort’s precise origins are unclear, it was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century and was later used by the British during colonial rule. Its relatively well-preserved walls and bastions allow for a glimpse into its past glory. But beyond its military past, Korigad is now a place of peace. Don't miss out on a hot cup of cutting chai from a roadside vendor at the base village before or after the trek.
Do not carry plastic bottles, cutlery, or sachets. Refrain from littering along trekking routes to help preserve the natural environment.
Ensure your tour is conducted by guides, trekkers, or operators registered and certified by the Directorate of Tourism (DoT).
Visit maharashtratourism.gov.in for detailed information.
Plan your trip at mahabooking.com.
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